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Statement by Minister Coveney on North Korean Nuclear Weapons Test

The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Mr. Simon Coveney T.D., has expressed deep concern that North Korea tested a nuclear explosive device on 3 September 2017. Speaking from Brussels, Minister Coveney said:

“This further test of another nuclear explosive device by North Korea represents a real threat to peace and security in the region and beyond. It is a flagrant and provocative violation of the DPRK's international obligations not to produce or test nuclear weapons. I unreservedly condemn such actions.

This latest development highlights the need for immediate entry into force of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT). I urge all states who have not already done so to ratify the Treaty without delay so that the global disarmament and non-proliferation architecture can be strengthened and the global norm against testing reinforced.

I call on North Korea to abandon its programmes to develop ballistic missiles, nuclear capabilities and weapons of mass destruction in a manner that is complete, verifiable and irreversible.

Urgent engagement on nuclear disarmament by all stakeholders is now needed. I also call on the North Korean authorities to cease all nuclear testing and re-engage with the Six Party Talks on the denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula, immediately and without pre-conditions.”